What Kind of Foot Care Should I Practice After Being Diagnosed With Diabetes?
At Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with a diabetes diagnosis. As you navigate your new reality post-diagnosis, one important consideration is how you’ll keep your feet safe from foot-related complications of diabetes like nerve damage, slow-healing wounds, or in extreme cases, amputation.
Our experienced podiatry team is dedicated to helping patients manage diabetes-related foot concerns with skill and compassion. With over 10 years of experience serving the Austin community, we've seen firsthand how proper diabetic foot care can prevent serious health issues and preserve quality of life. We provide the comprehensive diabetic foot care you need to stay one step ahead of diabetes complications.
Common Diabetes-Related Foot Issues
Diabetes can wreak havoc on foot health without careful attention and prompt care for any issues that arise. Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can cause you to lose feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect cuts, blisters, or other injuries. Poor circulation, another diabetes-related issue, can slow wound healing and increase your risk of infection.
Some of the most common foot problems faced by diabetics include:
- Neuropathy: Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the feet due to nerve damage
- Foot ulcers: Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal and prone to infection
- Charcot foot: A deformity that occurs when bones in the foot weaken and collapse
- Ingrown toenails: Nails that grow into the skin, causing pain and potential infection
- Fungal infections: Athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and other infections that thrive in warm, moist environments
At Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that keeps your feet as healthy as possible.
The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care
When you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is non-negotiable. Even small problems, like a blister or ingrown toenail, can quickly turn into serious complications if not promptly treated. In severe cases, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to gangrene and require amputation of the affected limb.
The good news is that most diabetes-related foot problems are preventable with proper foot care. This includes:
- Examine your feet for diabetic wounds, cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems
- Gently washing feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap
- Carefully drying feet, especially between the toes
- Moisturizing feet to prevent dry, cracked skin (but avoid putting lotion between the toes)
- Wearing clean, dry socks and changing them daily
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that protect and support the feet
- Never going barefoot, even indoors, to avoid injury
- Scheduling regular podiatry checkups to catch problems early
- Regular exercise to keep your feet and whole body healthy
By making foot care a daily priority, you can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. Your Austin podiatrist can provide more specific recommendations based on your unique needs.
Your Daily Diabetic Foot Care Inspection Routine
A thorough daily foot care routine is key to preventing diabetic foot problems. Here's a step-by-step guide to inspecting and caring for your feet:
- Inspection: Sit down and carefully look at all surfaces of your feet and between your toes. If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help you. Check for any cuts, bruises, blisters, redness, warmth, swelling, ingrown nails, corns, calluses, warts, or other abnormalities. Don't forget to check your socks for any drainage or blood. If you spot anything concerning, contact your Austin foot doctor right away.
- Washing: Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water with a mild soap. Don't soak your feet, as this can dry out the skin. Check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow to avoid burning your feet if you've lost sensation.
- Drying: Gently pat your feet dry with a soft towel, taking care to dry well between each toe. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Moisturizing: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizing lotion or cream to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Don't put moisturizer between your toes, as the extra moisture can lead to fungal growth. If your feet are very dry, try moisturizing before bed and sleeping in clean cotton socks.
- Nail and skin care: Trim your nails straight across with clean clippers and gently file any sharp edges. Never cut your cuticles. If you have corns or calluses, don't attempt to remove them yourself - see your podiatrist for safe treatment.
In addition to this daily foot care routine, be sure to schedule regular visits with your Austin podiatrist. They can perform a more thorough foot exam, monitor any developing issues, and provide personalized recommendations to keep your feet in top shape. Early detection and treatment by a foot and ankle specialist is essential for avoiding serious diabetes complications.
Preventative Foot Care: Proper Footwear and Socks
One of the simplest yet most important ways to protect diabetic feet is to wear appropriate footwear and socks. The right shoes and socks can prevent foot injuries, reduce friction and pressure points, accommodate foot deformities, and keep feet dry, all of which are essential preventative measures.
When shopping for diabetic shoes, look for the following features:
- A deep, wide toe box with plenty of room to wiggle your toes
- Soft, flexible upper materials like leather or canvas that won't rub or chafe
- Seamless interiors to avoid irritation
- Firm, cushioning midsoles to absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet
- Rigid outsoles for stability, with good tread for traction
- Adjustability via laces or Velcro to ensure a snug but not tight fit
- Breathable materials to keep feet dry
Your Austin podiatrist may prescribe special shoes for those with diabetes if you have advanced foot deformities or a history of foot ulcers.
Socks are just as important as shoes for prevention. Choose moisture-wicking materials like acrylic or merino wool that pull sweat away from the skin and avoid tight elastic bands that restrict circulation. Seamless socks or those with flat seams help prevent rubbing and irritation. Always wear socks with shoes and change them daily - or more often if they become damp.
Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems
Even with diligent foot care, diabetic foot issues can still arise. That's why it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs that something is amiss. Contact your Austin foot and ankle specialist right away if you notice any of the following red flags:
- Unusual tingling, burning, or "pins and needles" sensations in your feet
- Loss of sensation in your feet
- Changes in the shape, size, or temperature of your feet
- Skin color changes
- Persistent sores, ulcers, or blisters on your feet that don't heal
- Ingrown or infected toenails
- Cracks, cuts, or breaks in the skin of your feet
- Unusual foot odor that doesn't go away with washing
- Joint pain or stiffness in your feet or ankles
- Hair loss on your feet or lower legs
- Visible corns, calluses, warts, or other growths on your feet
Never ignore these warning signs or attempt to treat them on your own. Prompt, professional treatment by a skilled podiatrist is essential for preventing minor issues from turning into major complications.
Keep Your Feet Healthy With Help From Your Austin Podiatrist
Living with diabetes doesn't have to mean resigning yourself to a life of foot problems. By prioritizing daily foot care, wearing proper footwear, and staying alert to warning signs, you can keep your feet in great condition for years to come.
Of course, you don't have to manage diabetic foot care alone. Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to support you every step of the way. Our knowledgeable podiatry team will work with you to create a personalized prevention and treatment plan tailored to your unique needs so you can keep your feet healthy.
